Kyoto, April 3rd 2026

The old capital of Japan avoided bombing during WW2, and has also mostly gone free from bug earthquakes.

Tourists flock in great numbers to the temples and monuments on this side of the river.

Choosing the right angles and with good timing (and a bit of luck) it is still possible to find angles where the architecture can shine in solitude.

This area has an abundance of kimono rental services to cater for the tourists wanting to get in the right mood for their social media profiles.

Staying away from the human operated chariots, I went to the monument for the unknown soldier.

From there, the view back toward other temples was great, as well as towards the nearby hills.

Behind one of the temples there was a small bamboo forest, very majestic, it is strange that this in fact is a type of grass.

Oh yes, more temples, more views!

Just five minutes away from giant crowds it was still possible to find secluded paths in the hills.

Apart from the big crowds, a really pretty part of the world. No wonder it attracts the masses.